After an exciting opening weekend in the LFFL, there are a couple moves in the Power Poll as some teams are showing what may become glaring problems, and some are showing early season strength. Last week’s ranking listed in parentheses.
1) Akron Assault (1-0) (2) This is one powerful team, and it showed last week as the Assault beat on the Champs of Chewton. Even though the victory was by nearly 40 points, it could have been much, much worse as Akron actually left some big points on the bench (Frank Gore, 20pts). The McNabb-Owens connection may be fatal (combined 34pts), Larry Johnson will undoubtedly rebound, and Frank Gore could be an emerging star. The backups at WR and RB are a little thin, but until bye weeks roll around, the Assault will roll on.
2) Prospect Pioneers (0-1) (1) The Pioneers didn’t win last week’s opening game, but they’re fine really. Warner had no problem finding Boldin, and Reggie Wayne won’t be putting up only 4 points a week for very long. The key to last week’s loss was the poor production of Shaun Alexander (1.1 pt). Once Alexander returns to last week’s form, then Akron and Prospect can start going at it, in what should prove to be a two way battle for first all year long.
3) Wampum Wizards (1-0) (3) This is another good team that had sub par point production in week one. Make no mistake though, once Palmer starts putting up more than half a point (0.49 last week) this team will start hurting people. We’ll know in a couple weeks if Reggie Bush is the real deal. Michael Jenkins will plug a hole at the flex spot until Reuben Droughns gets his act together, plus there’s the always solid production you can count on from Joe Klopfenstein. It sure would be cool if Jeff Wilkins could hit six field goals a week.
4) Zelienople Zipperheads (1-0) (5) The Zips had a great first week and could prove to be a very solid team this year if they start to really click. Peyton Manning has always made whatever team he is on better than the sum of its parts. Also of interest, Trent Green lost his trade value with his injury, so he’ll ride the bench for the next few weeks before he finds a new home. There are some running back issues, Edgerrin James took a lot of carries to get those 73 yards and Fred Taylor is always seconds away from being done for the year. However, things are in a good place right now, and so are the Zips.
5) Allentown Iron Men (1-0) (7) The Iron Men had a rough first week, but still managed a W. Only two players worked into double digits, including Ronnie Brown, who had a great week, but didn’t rack up the yards. Perhaps he’ll fare better in the coming weeks against lesser defenses, or perhaps his two TD performance is an anomaly. Bulger should rebound from his 4 point performance, and it may be a week or two before we know if Roy Williams will be a big time receiver. Right now, the jury is still out on the defending champs and it can go either way.
6) Ellwood Dishsoaps (1-0) (9) The Power Poll said last week that this team would move up the rankings once they solidified the running back position. Well, after taking a small step toward shoring up the backfield with picking up Kevan Barlow, and the solid TD performance of Travis Henry, the Dishsoaps are in a little better position, both in the league and in the poll. Jerry Porter’s dickmoves are only hurting Ellwood- soon he’ll be looking for new work in both the NFL and the LFFL. Once Steve Smith’s two injured hamstrings heal, this team will continue their climb up the standings and the Power Poll.
7) Indiana Ignition (0-1) (4) The Power Poll really doesn’t like dropping the Ignition this far. This team has some real pluses: E. Manning, Ward and Fitzgerald will be fine, and Steven Jackson had a lot of carries and played well. However some concerns include Kevin Jones’ very poor showing last week, Joey Galloway’s lack of attention in the offense, and Deuce McAllister having to share time with Reggie Bush. Not a bad team, by any means, just a team with question marks.
8) Greenville Trojans (0-1) (10) We are less than a week into the season and the Trojans have already worked the waiver wire and free agent poll for 10 moves. The complexion of the lineup will be a little different this week, as last week’s disappointing starters Cadillac Williams and Amani Toomer have been benched and cut respectively. In week one action the Trojans lost the closest game in LFFL history to Ellwood (74.55 - 74.52). While Greentree can’t count on 25 points from Baltimore every week, this week’s roster changes may help them move on up.
9) Farrell Mooncrickets (0-1) (6) The Moonies have problems. Farrell has two black quarterbacks, and that may be two too many. Last week, Culpepper tossed two ugly INTs and backup Brooks passed for 68 yards before getting yanked in the 4th quarter. In addition to the lack of production at QB, they have a running back named Wali. Gonzalez was a bright spot, and that Atlanta defense is pretty good. However, you must worry about this team overall because of its running back situation, Dillon faces reduced carries with an emerging Maroney, and the play of the aforementioned Wali Lundy. It could be a long year for the Mooncrickets.
10) Chewton Champs (0-1) (8) Chewton practically gave Akron a bye last week, with their 45 point performance. Jake Delhomme had a terrible game and may be replaced by Chad Pennington this week, and LaMont Jordan was a huge disappointment and questions remain if he’ll be able to run at all this year behind such a terrible line as his team is always behind in ballgames. Donte’ Stallworth was a bright spot though, and may prove to be very valuable. The Champs are going to need to need to keep their games close, because they won’t be winning any 103 – 97 shootouts anytime soon, they need to be close in 74 - 68 contests.
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